Disney announced Friday a new short at Annecy: “Lilo & Scratch.”
“For the first time in five years, we have a new theatrical short,” said director Fawn Veerasunthorn, adding: “We are in this room because every single one of us loves animation.”
It takes place shortly after the first film, and everyone’s favorite troublemaker Stitch is doing fine with his new family. But then Lilo brings home a new family member: a cat.
Chris Sanders, responsible for the original voice of Stitch, will voice him again.
What happens next is a “wild, chaotic chase around the island. This is the kind of mayhem we love with this character,” added Malcolm Pierce after showing the audience its first two minutes. It will be released in the fall.
Disney’s new feature “Hexed” is also on its way.
“It’s our 65th animated film,” noted Jason Hand.
“We love exploring magic and those who can make impossible possible,” added Veerasunthorn. The team presented first work-in-progress footage.
Focusing on Billie, a girl who discovers magical abilities, it’s voiced by Hailee Steinfeld – “She’s so funny and full of heart,” said Hand – Rashida Jones, Tracey Ullman, Alan Tyduk and Stephen Fry.
The style of the film “allows for a lot of physical humor,” said Veerasunthorn.
“Billie’s powers are wonderful, but they invite danger. Her mother gives her a special bracelet [when she’s a child] – it limits her magic, ensuring she will never open another portal and endanger herself again,” noted Hand.
Years later, Billie keeps on rebelling – against everything. But she still doesn’t remove her bracelet. Until an accident happens, and she finds out who she really is.
“This creates a bit of a situation. But its draw is undeniable,” laughed Veerasunthorn.
But Billie doesn’t know anything about magic, which is a bit of a problem in Hexe, a realm of actual witches where she ends up. Luckily, she soon meets new friends: like Beef Roger Crummchuck.
“He’s a bit of a drinker, but in a Disney magical way. She’s able to convince him to help her and to rescue her mum,” she said.
“It’s a place of beauty, of whimsy and of witchiness.”
Eventually, Billie will be able to unlock her family’s secret.
Leave a Reply